In Honor of my LGBT friends, I share this story with you!
August 29, 2009
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Presidential-Proclamation-LGBT-Pride-Month/
----------------------------------
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
June 1, 2009
LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANS-GENDER
PRIDE MONTH, 2009
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT
OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Forty years ago, patrons and supporters of the Stonewall Inn in New York City resisted police harassment that had become all too common for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. Out of this resistance, the LGBT rights movement in America was born. During LGBT Pride Month, we commemorate the events of June 1969 and commit to achieving equal justice under law for LGBT Americans.
LGBT Americans have made, and continue to make, great and lasting contributions that continue to strengthen the fabric of American society. There are many well-respected LGBT leaders in all professional fields, including the arts and business communities. LGBT Americans also mobilized the Nation to respond to the domestic HIV/AIDS epidemic and have played a vital role in broadening this country's response to the HIV pandemic.
Due in no small part to the determination and dedication of the LGBT rights movement, more LGBT Americans are living their lives openly today than ever before. I am proud to be the first President to appoint openly LGBT candidates to Senate-confirmed positions in the first 100 days of an Administration. These individuals embody the best qualities we seek in public servants, and across my Administration -- in both the White House and the Federal agencies -- openly LGBT employees are doing their jobs with distinction and professionalism.
The LGBT rights movement has achieved great progress, but there is more work to be done. LGBT youth should feel safe to learn without the fear of harassment, and LGBT families and seniors should be allowed to live their lives with dignity and respect.
My Administration has partnered with the LGBT community to advance a wide range of initiatives. At the international level, I have joined efforts at the United Nations to decriminalize homosexuality around the world. Here at home, I continue to support measures to bring the full spectrum of equal rights to LGBT Americans. These measures include enhancing hate crimes laws, supporting civil unions and Federal rights for LGBT couples, outlawing discrimination in the workplace, ensuring adoption rights, and ending the existing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in a way that strengthens our Armed Forces and our national security. We must also commit ourselves to fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic by both reducing the number of HIV infections and providing care and support services to people living with HIV/AIDS across the United States.
These issues affect not only the LGBT community, but also our entire Nation. As long as the promise of equality for all remains unfulfilled, all Americans are affected. If we can work together to advance the principles upon which our Nation was founded, every American will benefit. During LGBT Pride Month, I call upon the LGBT community, the Congress, and the American people to work together to promote equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2009 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to turn back discrimination and prejudice everywhere it exists.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
BARACK OBAMA
posted by Sara Hickman at 07:27 pm
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Greyhound Thrum—-a Poem for the Students of Badgerdog Press
my dad would make up stories and words out of his head, all made up on the spot!.
My sister and I would be completely transfixed by the simple, sheer love for words
our father displayed as he drove along. Not to be outdone, my mother was always writing,
writing, writing. In my family, there was always this love for the written word. Both my
parents taught me that sharing what is in my heart is an important way to leave my mark,
an astounding way to change a mood, lift a soul, shift politics, and even reach out across
the universe. Words are works of art, every single one of them. And this is what Badgerdog
teaches kids. What an amazing gift!
Badgerdog provides kids with the opportunity to meet with grown up versions of themselves—
writing instructors who show them that that little voice inside our heads and
hearts knows what it’s talking about. And it must be released!
And Badgerdog understands the brilliance of this voice. By encouraging students to:
fearlessly capture their voice through the written word, courageously step back to
patiently observe and critique, utilize time and space, edit excess or enhance what
is necessary—whether tragic or comedic, exposing bigotry or fact—Badgerdog
workshops create a gathering place for kids to jump into the unknown, to find
their voice early, to stand on their own two feet, to feel respected and honored
through an amazing art form that, so far as we know, only we humans can share
with one another. Instructors lay out tools, kids throw out ideas, and voila!—a
creative swimming pool for splashing, playing, jumping, diving, resting, sunning,
laughing, snorkeling…Starting at the surface, the sunshine skimming across the
chlorine free waters, there is no way you can drown here. You are held buoyant
by the reflections of your fellow swimmers, by teachers who encourage you to
find the hidden, to dive down to the deepest, darkest part of yourself, to open up
and let the pearl float to the surface.
While drastic cuts to school funding for the arts threaten to take away every
child’s right to have access and exposure to essential forms of espression
(such as creative writing), Badgerdog steps in with their own spectacular brand
of teaching. Badgerdog attracts an amazing array of talented professional
writers who are also enthusiastic instructors. Ultimately, this diverse, exceptional
staff provides a diving board for kids to spring into the pool. By working so
intimately with professional writers, kids realize, "Hey! I can be a WRITER when I
grow up!" Writing becomes an option, not just a dream, and, for some, an idea
that wouldn't have been born had there been no exposure to the craft at all!
Can you imagine how many e.e.cummings, Dorothy Parkers, Langston Hughes,
Nikki Giovanni's or Sarah Birds are being created with the aid of Badgerdog?
(If you can't, come with me to a workshop, and I'll show you kids who are ready
for the Algonquin Round Table. Once you’ve met these young writers,
I know you'll be compelled to write your own poem before walking out of the room!)
During my joy-filled experience of working with two Badgerdog classes this summer,
I was astounded at how attuned the kids were to absorbing what I had to share,
their eagerness to write and expound on what they felt was important. Not just for
that moment, either, but to pass on: not just to me, or others in the class, or for
this very anthology, but to future generations. They had the fever of not only wanting
to write, but wanting to inspire others as well. And, in all honesty, without kids learning
the love of writing poetry, short stories, and novels right here, right now...
well, who will inspire us down the road?
Let me just emphasize, again, that written expression must be supported
in our society, lest our society fall deeper into its already potentially
dangerous sleep. I want to be a living alarm clock. I strive to, like the kids
in this anthology, be a pearl. So, yesterday morning, waiting outside a locked
bus station in Asheville, NC, I wrote down this poem for the kids of Badgerdog
because they inspire me. To them I say: keep writing. To the adults I plead:
support the essence of what Badgerdog releases—the ability for each
of these kids to not only expand what is true, but to be the very truth itself.
GREYHOUND THRUM
Out of no where, up walks Shane.
Through two teeth he spits,
Apologizing for his dirty fingertips.
Takes my hand, shakes my hand,
I offer up no name.
“That’s dried blood,” I note:
He releases my hand with a curse.
Again, he spits disgusted, alert:
“He swung first, coulda been worse…
Know what I mean?”
Such a flood of emotion, his eyes hold
His notion: my life’s spent.
Purple cone flowers shooting upward shift
For frigid fog’s awakening.
Everywhere, Queen Anne’s lace
Oblivious to the suffering, reigning
Over poverty and no one but the bees…
And the bees buzz blankly
Intent on just one thing.
Two jaundiced yellow sunflowers looming overhead,
Slurping my Starbucks, I’m
Watching their process,
A slow recess,
Of slumping
Of dying
Unaware earth’s kiss
Will catch them soon.
Smiling stalks support clown flowered suits
Attempting to bring
Eternal spring
With their happy yellow mellow
Attitudes
To this city in lurch.
Now the bus station is filling up
Overflowing human cup
Fragile, fat folks
All wearing worry at 7:49 a.m.
Smooth skinned Goodwill granny
Grabs an inhaler
Snaps in quick breath,
And, as if it has impaled her,
Coughs out into a worn dishrag:
Jamaican DNA.
Woman from Michigan
Complaining loudly about men
Men who grab each others’ butts.
“This ain’t no town for me!”
Shane pricks up his ears
“No lie, “ he replies
“Whole town’s gone nuts…”
Michigan’s found her audience
“No gays where I come from!”
Nodding, spitting,
Dried blood thickening,
“No work, just gays,”
Shane refrains.
Michigan has too much baggage, too much weight
Funny, the overwhelmed gay bus man behind the
Greyhound counter, ready to pound her, states:
“You need to repack!”
Michigan rolls her eyes,
Gives me a wink.
I think:
That thumbprint blue tattoo
A hint, a clue
Whoever put it next to her eye:
Huge mistake.
Michigan reaches rudely past
Pale Blonde Young Mom
“I need my pop!”
Guzzles fizzling crackling sizzling
Surrounds us with her unpacked stuff—
“Man”, someone shudders, “Enough!”
Pale Blonde Young Mom’s tiny Toddler
Carries on
Shoulder wrapped in an angry red
Birthmark sarong where
Part of
Shoulder’s twin on eyelid
Slid.
Oblivious little bluebell
Growing under mama’s care.
There…do you hear it?
The slow, thrumming hum…?
Toddler runs to catch the sound
Only she and I feel there.
“First piece, free…Second piece, ten.
Beyond that…thirty!”
Bus man is on hysterics ledge
Voice stretches out
Thinning like his hair
A rubberband man, no doubt
On the verge of snapping.
I sense his urge to be slapping
Every single one of us
Boarding this never ending bus.
Day after day
Deal after deal
Too many questions.
Nothing real.
Michigan shouts at PBYM,
"I hate the way they treat us homeless---and lemme tell ya,
Alamosa was the PITS.
If you didn't prove, you lose...out in the snow,
14,000 feet up!,
Out in the snow you'd go.
Kickin' ya out...a bust!
You'd end up in jail..."
PBYM replies (emotion in her eyes),
"At least it's warm in there..."
Michigan states,
"Blah blah blah Sherika
Blah blah blah she was a liar!!!
Blah blah blah..."
PBYM, still hopeful, not boastful,
"I took in homeless teens. At first, just two...
But, then others found out, they knew.
They'd knock at my door
Ask to sleep on my floor..."
She falters.
Michigan snorts:
"Didn't they get you in trouble!?"
"Oh, no, they cleaned my house!
Took care of the baby...helped me out
Tremendously..."
I'm looking down at my knees
Scribbling in my pad
Hoping Michigan doesn't notice, doesn't
Grab words outta my lap. Slap!
I drift back into Michigan...
She's into history, again.
She's imitating some person from her past,
Sing-song voice
Wringing at wrongness of PBYM's kind choice.
"Say it, Pat!"
What?!
"Say it, Pat!"
What?
"'Scuse me, Pat---say it, "I'm sorry..."
No, you're not!...You can't
help minors out...It looks funky
and funny...cuz that's what happened
to ME.
So...that's why I'm headed home to the cow farm!"
(I'm completely disarmed at this point.
Blood and cows,
and no one knows how
To get from A to B
With bags stuffed breaking apart from so much
heartaching history...)
Blurred words.
Hum...hum....thrumming hum drum...
Collegiate chinese female wears a
Fringed multi-colored silk wrap
Stoic face.
Stone flattened smooth grace
She patiently explains her bag situation
To frazzled bus man's mental map---
Emphasizing his answers to her,
Like she... doesn't...understand... English...
There's no ability for him to live
Live connection.
8:01
We are sardines
(Yes, my implication is what I mean.)
A broken man with a broken arm
Navy blue sling
Rusty safari hat; long, loose string
He’s a tan white man, sagging
in his jeans.
Even older, a twin of my father, sits next to me---
Trimmed white goatee singing on his tar black chin.
Bald head shining
Wires from his ears, ringing:
"Yea...uh-huh...Jack...yea..."
Just the facts.
No need to say much to the mystery
Reaching out. Touch.
Michigan circles 'round the room
Searching out other Michigoans...
Bathing suit on under potted flower pot
Symbolled shirt of plants never growing.
She's a weed whacker!
Hair bleached like an albino whale
Her face rosy from the alcohol...
So much sorrow in this room.
No bus is showing
Everyone…anxious to be going.
Sirens in a tunnel
The fog is gone
Still no sun.
Toddler be-bops
Hip hops under her
Fuzzy monkey back pack
Salmon pink drink
Flowered nipple top
Her pudgy hands hold on to
Everything, can’t stop!
Hummmm…..
Only one here
Positively smiling.
Michigan’s back:
She looks at Toddler and offers:
“I had a two year old lab once.
He was abused.”
Pretty Young Blonde Mom is not amused
Moves closer to the door.
Now she’s looking, she’s concerned:
“Where’s the bus...?” she mutters
Sputters for all who shudder
Thinking, pacing
Slow shuffled waiting
Waltzing across hard linoleum floors:
What if it doesn’t come…?
Toddler’s excited:
Pointing! Pointing!
Scurries back to homeplate---s-l-i-d-e-s
To mama’s knees---
Safe!
Finally, we’re all aboard.
Taut strings hold things
In place above the roar.
Suitcases, backpacks,
Jackets, unknowns…
Guitar with stickers worn:
Crazy mama! Bugle Boy!
Mucky Duck! Dickie Bird!
Absurd, absurd, absurd
All chanting above my head.
46 years of living
What have I learned this morning that
I haven’t learned before?
Just that, once again,
You just never know
What life will bring.
And what’s behind the breeze
Holding conversations with those trees?
The bus is speeding on.
What shifts my weight
To concentrate
From this to that?
Where is our universal answer
Asked over and over
Since time began
By every single one of us
At some point, here on this bus
Well, it’s not here today.
Hummmm….
Maybe
It just is this:
Live life’s quick kiss
And search the unspoken thrum.
Listen. Write it down. And hum to yourself, every step
of the way.
Love,
Sara
TO SUPPORT BADGERDOG and buy an edition of the Summer 2009 anthology,
tee-shirts, or become an active donor, please visit: http://www.badgerdog.org
posted by Sara Hickman at 08:10 am
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Hey! This is cool! Look what can happen!
August 26, 2009
Once again, I appeal to you all on behalf of another dear friend, this time, the poet
Dillon McKinsey, and his on air show, "Writing on the Air", which I have been honored
to appear on. Here's the deal:
If you make a $75 or more donation to KOOP (make sure you mention it is for "Writing on the Air"),
and then contact me with proof you've done so, I'll ask Dillon about re-appearing on his show, and
dedicate my readings to YOU. If you donate $1500 or more, I'll write a special spoken word/poem
just for you (or the person of your choice).
Rock on! Community radio keeps communities real!
Following is the info from Dillon on how to donate.
Love,
Sara
Dear friend of "Writing on the Air":
"Writing on the Air" tries to help writers write and give audience to those remarkable people
whose works get published. We are for and about creative writers, and helping them write
their way into the creative fabric of our vibrant American culture.
Here are a few benefits and accomplishments of "Writing on the Air":
* We are a great part of what makes Austin the wonderfully creative Mecca that it is.
* Local authors gain a wider audience and greater exposure with an on air interview and the reading of their works on Writing on the Air.
* Established creative writers from all genres share their work and the genius with an attentive Austin writing community.
* Notable past guests have included:
* Ghibran scholar – Dr. Suhiel Bushrui
* Rumi scholar – Coleman Barks
* The Artist’s Way author – Julia Cameron
* Several Texas State Poet Laureate including Karla Morton & Alan Lee Birkelbach
* Noted author Rupert Issaacson
* Local favorites Liz Carpenter, Sara Hickman, Les McGehee, Billy Brent Malkus, and Sarah Bird
* Noted publisher from Wings Press – Bryce Milligan
* And many others
All creative writing genres are covered, from
fiction, non-fiction, screenwriting to poetry and many others.
This is our only source for an on-air hour of creative writing programming in the Austin area!!!
"Writing on the Air" shares literary treats with its audience every Wednesday at 6-7 PM
Twice a year, KOOP Radio conducts an on-air Membership Drive to help raise these essential operating funds.
Our Fall 2009 Membership Drive begin this Friday, August 28. We need to raise just over $50,000.
Your gift is tax deductible, and any amount will be deeply appreciated. If you would like to make a donation there are several ways it can be done.
You can send your donation to:
Dillon McKinsey
1909 Hollow Ridge Drive
Cedar Park, TX 78613
and he’ll be sure it gets to KOOP and is credited to the "Writing on the Air" show effort
(plus, then he'll know it's from you and I can give you a shout out/write you a poem for on the air!!!)
OR you can call the Radio station during on-air hours at 512-472-5667
or outside of Austin, toll free at 888-917-5667.
BE SURE TO TELL THE PHONE ANSWERER YOUR DONATION IS IN SUPPORT OF "WRITING ON THE AIR."
Any amount is appreciated. Please help Dillon, help KOOP Radio, and help keep good literature alive and well on 91.7 FM.
PS If you do make a donation, please advise KOOP so " Writing on the Air" is credited with all donations made.
This has an influence on their programming standing at the station. Thanks again!
posted by Sara Hickman at 04:43 am
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Women’s Fall Self-Renewal Retreat at The Crossings Oct. 2-4
August 25, 2009
with author/life balance expert Renee Peterson Trudeau
Are you in career or life transition? Rejuvenate to gain clarity/focus in a nurturing,
empowering & supportive environment. Explore the transformative power of self-care
& nourish your body/soul. Enjoy quiet reflection, get in touch w/ your needs & desires.
Women of all ages are welcome! Special guests include music/movement divas Sara Hickman
and Dr. Deb Kern!
Date: October 2–4
Where: The Crossings
Spa and Wellness Center
Lake Travis, Austin TX
Early bird registration ends Aug. 31st!
JOIN US! Fall Women's Self-Renewal Retreat:
http://www.reneetrudeau.com/order/womensretreat.html
All events: http://www.ReneeTrudeau.com/calendar
posted by Sara Hickman at 05:56 pm
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How My Life is Changing
August 18, 2009
many new friends, giving them nicknames (Dave the Director became "Double D",)
I rode a train by myself for the first time ever. Everyone at the train station
stopped to help me out and explain things. I ended up alone, for about
twenty minutes, down on the platform, the early morning sun captured by
my little cell phone (I'll try to find a way to get the photos up), and as I looked
up and down the tracks, I felt so many feelings. Who all had ridden these trains
over how many years? Why was there a little yellow stool in between two of
the tracks? (To escape, I supposed, if one fell down from the platform.)
Would I get on the right train, and how would I get my two bags, guitar
and self onto the rush/crush of passengers?
Suddenely, there appeared a 70 or so year old man who looked slightly
like Einstein, but with big rectangular glasses and suspenders. We started
to talk, and he and I ended up riding together, eating cherries, talking about
Cape Cod (he was going to visit two female friends he'd known for 60 years!)
He helped me with my bags, and before I could hug him, the train doors
were closing and I hollered "THANK YOU!"
Off to the Philly Folk Festival with Tom Darling, the shuttle volunteer.
The rest of the weekend he was Darling to me. And the festival was
bestival---although incredibly blazingly hot, and muggy, I had fun performing
for the childless children's stage, utilizing my zany wit to spice up the adults
hidden under shady trees, giving a shout out to Kathy from WXPN. Singing
with Ellis Paul and Tom Rush and Jack Hardy and watching the Decemberists
and Enter the Haggis (my new favorite band) and the wondrous Caravan of
Thieves (too bad Caravan of Dreams is gone!) I danced. I jumped. I
sang my heart out. I enjoyed meeting Shelby, a 14 year old smarty pants,
and Julie, with her two daughters, Emma and Shannon (in a band and quite
the fiddlist, I hear). I sang with Tom Rush in front of 25,000 people, and
slow danced with Robin Batteau while Ellis sang a slow number. And, then,
to my utter surprise and heartfelt delight, as I sang "Claim on My Heart",
I looked out into the audience, and Robin was standing, alone, amongst
the throngs, playing his violin...to me. It was one of the most enchanting
musical moments I can remember in quite a long time. It made me love
the song, it made me love the moment, it made me love him.
Robin is the brother to David Batteau, who I have been blessed to write many
songs with over the past 15 years. So, now, I feel like I know more of the
Batteaus and I am blinded by their immense artistry and creative songwriting.
So many exquisite memories, ending with my getting to eat at the secret volunteer
breakfast yesterday morning (wandering the halls, looking for breakfast, and voila!)
I passed around iolana's journal that I keep with her and had everyone sign/decorate
in it, and then shared "I Wish You Well" with everyone. So, as we sang, there were some
tears, there was the closure to the end of what seems to have been a very successful
festival. A big thank you to Jesse for bringing me, for Tim Drake and Charlie Dahan for
booking me, and to the one of a kind Gene Shay (WXPN, founder of the Philly Folk Fest
48 years ago!!!) No one wears ecclectic glasses better than Gene. He's right up there
with Elton John, for sure.
My family was at the airport waiting, and boy oh boy, was I THRILLED to see them.
I love how Lily always has this knowing, wise smile and walks slowly to me, arms
settling around my neck, and how io is the jumper, into me, onto me, hugs and kisses
for all. And, then, sweet Lance, my gentle, patient husband, always last to get a deep
kiss until the girls start saying, "Ok, we get it!" and we seperate with a smile, gather
luggage....arrive home to my darling Lucky dog, more slurpiness and joy, and I water
my garden with io walking by my side, catching me up to date (although we talk daily)
or sometimes just walking with me...so we are close. So we are, truly, together, at last,
again.
Woke up at 7 to walk with Lily, but she was too tired. So, iolana, Lucky and I hit
the street and walked the neighborhood. It was a blast. We talked about houses,
plant life, stones and one mummified toad Lucky found. We talked about school and
Lily's birthday (which was wonderful!) io told me about the videos Todd shot...check
out io and sam on youTube...i believe it's called "io fun". The one shot concerning
Lily's gathering is LILY13. Both beautiful, and I am grateful to Todd...healing and still
wearing a smile and a camera!
Went to Jason Molin's this morning and worked further on our plan for 2010 and all the
goodies we are creating---songs, cd, workplan on how to find funding. We wrote a mission
statement for Family Time Rocks! We are getting the site up and ready for May 2010, when
I become the official State Musician. iolana came with me, and she painted a beautiful
version of earth with hidden continents shaped like winged hearts and birds and the sun.
At noon, headed home. I started around 1:30 with David King, a personal fitness trainer,
and we filmed the entire conversation that lasted 3 hours on what food is about, calories,
what to and not to consume, how our routine will work, getting set up on line to journal
my eating habits, a wristwatch and heart monitor to wear when I exercise, goals set,
measurements taken....it was exhausting just LEARNING about it, but I am comitted to
finally, truly, learning how to be kind to ME. I just really want to be healthy. This is my
body, and the only one I'll ever have. And I must start learning how to treat it with
respect and love.
If you want to learn more about David, please visit his site:
http://www.davidkingfitness.com/
I'll be posting photos and video, so you can watch my progress. Right now, I weigh 155.
My goal is to weigh 128 by January 18, 2010.
And I will repeat that goal in my head everyday until I reach it. Mantra:
My goal is to weigh 128 by January 18, 2010. (And it's not just about taking off
weight---it's about learning my food habits, taking control of what I consume and
transforming my body into a sleeker, stronger me so I can REALLY jam on that thar
guitar!!!)
Sending love,
Sara
posted by Sara Hickman at 03:02 pm
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